No room at the gallery

The public gallery for the Parliamentary debating chamber is fully booked for tomorrow's third reading of the Marriage Amendment Bill. Photo / Thinkstock

Supporters of a bill to legalise same-sex marriage may be turned away from Parliament for its historic final stage.

The public gallery for the Parliamentary debating chamber is fully booked for tomorrow's third reading of the Marriage Amendment Bill, which is expected to pass into law with overwhelming support. The gallery was full for the first and second readings, and more than 1000 supporters and opponents gathered outside Parliament buildings for the committee stage.

The bill's sponsor, Labour MP Louisa Wall, applied to open up the Grand Hall to satisfy the huge demand from people to watch the debate at Parliament.

The Speaker David Carter declined the request because it was made on behalf of Ms Wall's supporters, not on behalf of all people interested in attending the debate.